in a beautiful pattern, a representation of a living thing, or a clever object. In Asia, spiritual symbolism has been expressed through folded paper shapes and forms.
One of the wonderful aspects of origami is its simplicity. The folder needs no glue, no tape, no string or wire—just a piece of paper! Though the materials are simple, origami exemplifies the ability of the human mind to solve problems and create beautiful harmony. Folding is relaxing and peaceful, but it is also fun and exciting to invent new ways to fold paper. The satisfaction of producing a work of beauty, or discovering something, such as a form that you have never seen before, can be addictive. Certain folders specialize in creating origami puzzles, or action models—origami that has moving parts—to the delight people of all ages.
The Chinese are credited with the invention of paper, and they were probably the first to create folded paper designs. But today, paper folding is known the world over as origami, a Japanese word. There are several possible reasons for this, but perhaps the most plausible is the existence of the Japanese origami crane, one of the most popular designs around the world. This folded paper classic is well documented in Japan’s history, and has been folded for at least 400 years. For many years the paper crane was considered the most advanced model in the world. When modern publishers and promoters of paper folding needed a simple word for the art, they looked to Japan, the home of the folded paper crane, and came up with origami. In Japanese ori means to fold and kami means paper.
Since papermaking and paper folding began in Asia, the origami projects presented in this book naturally convey aspects of Asian culture. Flip through these pages and you’ll discover a world of Lotus Blossoms, Koi fish, and Darumas!
Paper for Origami
Because origami is simply the art of paper folding, any paper can be used. However, choosing the best paper for a particular project can be as important as the folding process.
If you want to practice the models before using the special papers that come with this kit, look for papers that are fairly thin and in good supply. Copier paper or discarded magazines work well once you carefully cut them to square.
Once you have learned the folding method for an origami model, and you are able to fold it well, you may decide to make a special example using better paper. There are many beautiful papers to consider.
In the past, you would have needed to visit an art supply store to find a wide selection of machine-made and handmade papers in many colors, patterns and sizes. Today you can order paper by mail, and the Internet has numerous sources of special paper. Suppliers will send orders directly to your mailbox.
Paper folders (people who enjoy making origami) often become paper collectors. Eventually, you may become your best source of special papers if you purchase an extra sheet or two when they are available, or any time you have a little extra money. Paper folders often get together to show one another not only what they have folded, but the papers they have collected from their travels. Handmade paper from exotic lands is a wonderful souvenir, and nothing will be more greatly appreciated by your paper folding friends. If you still cannot find the right paper, try making it yourself! It is not too difficult, and you may be surprised to find information in your library, on the Internet, or perhaps from others in your town who share a similar interest.
Origami Resources
Origamido Studio
www.origamido.com The only origami art gallery studio in the United States. Original origami designs and hand papermaking for origami art.
OrigamiUSA - The Origami Source
15 West 77th Street
New York, NY 10024-5192
(212) 769-5635
origamiusa.org [email protected] A membership-supported, not-for-profit, origami-dedicated organization
Origami Symbols Key
The folding method for any origami model can be explained using this simple system of drawings and symbols. Most books written from the 1950s through today use this system developed by Akira Yoshizawa, of Japan, and Samuel Randlett, of the United States. Mr. Yoshizawa is widely regarded as the father of modern origami: His origami designs have inspired many of today’s great origami artists!
Once you become familiar with the meaning of these symbols, you will be able to learn origami models from any book—even if it is written in another language! Look carefully at the different kinds of lines and arrows pictured on this page. You will see that each symbol has its own meaning, just like musical notation. If you study the origami techniques in the beginning of this book, you will be well prepared for the more advanced projects.
Origami Techniques
Understanding the Diagrams
By making this simple flower bud you will familiarize yourself with basic origami diagram conventions:
• Valley fold
• Mountain fold
• Follow this spot
• Rotate symbol
• Fold and unfold arrow
• Fold in front arrow
• Fold behind arrow
Step 1. Begin with a square piece of paper, plain side up if you are using origami paper. Fold the paper in half, bottom corner to the top corner, and then unfold. Here you see what the valley fold (dashed line) is and what the fold and unfold arrow looks like. Next, notice the rotate symbol next to the diagram. This means that you must position your paper to look like step 2 before making the next fold.
Step 2. You have rotated your paper so that the crease made in step 1 is running from the top corner to the bottom corner. Now, as indicated by the fold in front arrow, lift up the bottom corner to make a fold, but do not lift it all the way to the top. See the X, “follow this spot,” at the bottom corner. You need to look ahead to step 3 to see where the X should go.
Step 3. Fold up the left and right sides. Here, there is no X on the left and right sides. Even without the X, it is a good habit to look ahead to the next step, so you will be able to see what the paper should look like.
Step 4. Fold the bottom corner to the back. Here you will see the mountain fold indication (a broken dashed line) and the fold behind arrow.
